Our top 5 thrifty decor and DIY projects.
Thrifty decor and DIY is what fuels my fire here at Chatfield Court.
I've done a lot of projects since I started the blog almost 5 years ago but the thrifty ones have turned out to be my favorite.
I think that it's the challenge of not only finding an inexpensive treasure, but also turning that treasure into something that I love.
There's been several projects that stand out in my mind.
Some have been recently done, some a few years back, but all of them are well loved and still used in our home.
Subscribe to get the latest in DIY Projects and exclusive subscriber access to our Resource Library!
Cool Thrift Store Faux Fur Stool
Let's start with the hairy little monster, my DIY faux fur stool.
This $2 find was transformed with just a bit of faux fur and now it has tons of personality.
Can stools have personality?
Why yes...yes they can. Even the hubs is a fan of this one.
DIY Rustic Towel Rack for the Bathroom
This former porch baluster has been a welcome addition to our small bathroom.
I only bought it because I loved the shape and the price, $2.
It took a while but I eventually turned it into the perfect towel rack.
DIY Thrifted Industrial Nightstand
This project was done out of desperation. We needed a nightstand and I couldn't find anything that would fit our small space.
This $5 find was just supposed to be a temporary fix but it turned into a keeper. Make sure you check out the before and after.
Thrifted Mirror Turned Chalkboard
This thrifty project is probably my favorite of them all.
We were remodeling our galley kitchen, in our house in Illinois, and I really wanted a chalkboard.
I was looking for a square mirror to transform but when I saw this lovely piece at a local thrift store, I couldn't pass it up. It's like an ever-changing piece of artwork for your wall.
Check out my easy DIY thrifted mirror turned chalkboard.
Thrift Store Farmhouse Front Door
If you've been around for a while then you may know that I have a slight door obsession.
It's not the best obsession to have, especially if you live in a small house with limited storage space, but it is what it is.
I have a few projects that have involved my found doors but this turned into one of my faves.
Check out the before and after of our thrift store farmhouse door. You won't believe the change this $20 find made.
We also have a few other awesome door projects like our frosted glass bathroom door and our mirrored barn door for our newly built guest bedroom closet.
As always, they were easy and thrifty projects.
Oh...and the pink tulip wreath? It's a project that I just finished. I call it "an explosion of pink".
Erin says
I just found your blog through Worthing Court. I can't wait to look through it more! Your projects are all great! I love thrifty decor projects too. I love finding old pieces and fixing them up. My favorite thrift store find was an old door I have in my family room I found years ago. I love hanging different wreaths on it for each season.
Kristi says
Welcome Erin! So glad you found us.It sounds like we have something in common in that we both love thrifty projects. We definitely have a lot of those. Your old door sounds awesome. I have a thing for doors myself, in case you haven't gotten to those posts yet. 😉
Thanks so much for stopping by and for sharing about your thrifty project. 🙂
laura janning says
kristi- you had me at hello at your beautiful front door.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Laura! I really love our new front door. Such an improvement to the old one.
Jane says
Kristi, I pronounce you queen of thrifty makeovers! I remember most of these but my fave is the furry stool! You are so talented!
Kristi says
Awww, thanks so much for the sweet comment Jane. I really appreciate it. 🙂
MaryJean says
Hmm, I don't remember the industrial nightstand and I thought I've seen everything of yours! LOL It turned out really cute and if you only have a small space it fits perfectly! Love it!
Kristi says
Thanks so much MJ! I think that nightstand was meant to be because it's the exact size and height we needed. After all that searching. 🙂
Kristi Dominguez says
Your gorgeous front door and wreath give me ALL the heart eyes!
Kristi says
Awww, thanks so much Kristi, I appreciate it!
Michelle says
I love all your thrifted projects - especially that nightstand! Absolutely gorgeous!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Michelle. The nightstand was only supposed to be a temporary stand-in but I love it too much to replace it. 🙂
Marlene Stephenson says
You have had some wonderful ideas, you have truly inspired me, i loved the night stand, so cute.
Kristi says
Thanks so much Marlene, I always appreciate your kind comments. I'm still loving the nightstand too (and I thought it would only be temporary). 🙂
Vanessa says
That door??!! That is amazing!!! All of your thrifty projects are so fantastic!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Vanessa! The door is one of my favorite things. I'm so glad we found a good replacement for our wreck-of-a-door that was there. 😉
Deborah says
These are so great but that door with the wreath has to go......as in go into by car and come to my house!!! I need that door and wreath in my life asap!
Kristi says
Ha, when I first read your comment I was like Ugh...has to go? Too funny! Thanks my friend.
Cindy says
Kristi, you definitely have the touch! That little furry monster is one of my favorite stool makeovers ever!! and I ADORE that little typewriter table that you turned into a fun and quirky nightstand!!
Kristi says
Thanks so much Cindy, I appreciate it! The furry monster is a hit in our home too. Who'd have thought that a little bit of faux fur could make such an impact. 😉
Debbie H says
Kristi I am still loving the tulip wreath. And next on the list is your new door. The outside door on my new home is very brown and dull. If the sale goes through I plan to make it blue. Will be revisiting a lot of your posts for ideas soon,
Kristi says
Thanks Debbie! I'm loving the wreath too, and it gets second glances from neighbors walking by. I think it's that explosion of pink. 😉
Still crossing my fingers for you. I know that if you get it you will love making it your own.
Bliss says
Somewhere in my shed ‘o schidt I have a little typewriter stand. I need to paint it up so its cute like yours.
Kristi says
Thanks! One of my easier projects too. 🙂
Carol Rodenbaugh says
I love the tulip wreath—so pretty and fresh after an never ending winter. But my favorite of all your DIY is the mirror turned chalkboard. I loved it as a calendar. Wish it were available for sake????
Kristi says
Thanks so much! It's been a long winter here too so the pink is nice to see when we come home. The chalkboard is my fave project too. I may bring the calendar back. I miss changing it out every month.